SAARC should be made dynamic: lawmaker Panta

Kathmandu, June 11:

Lawmaker of the CPN (UML), Raghuji Panta, has laid emphasis that all SAARC member countries should work together to make the regional association dynamic.

Speaking during the urgent hour of today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, he expressed the view that Nepal in the capacity as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Chair should take proactive measures to bring effectiveness to the important bodies and structures of SAARC.

“SAARC University is based in New Delhi and the SAARC Secretariat is in Kathmandu. Nepal could propose hosting the SAARC summit if any dispute arises”, said leader Panta. He demanded that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ address the parliament about the SAARC-related issues and concerns, and also brief the House of his recent India visit.

Prime Minister Dahal had left for India on Sunday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The PM should inform the parliament about his recent India visit. It is the special prerogative of the parliament. The Speaker should make a clear ruling in that regard”, lawmaker Panta said.